Landscape, Memory, Heritage and Identity (Historiographical Overview)

Abstract

Introduction. UNESCOs adoption of the Convention “Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage” of 1972 led to the discussion on the issues of mutual influence and interdependence of humankind and nature and human perception of the environment and his own ecological niche. As a result of these discussions, the term “cultural landscape” came into use, and became part of the world cultural heritage. Methods and materials. This study is based on the combination of the general, special historical and cultural methods. The central place among them was occupied by the comparative, analytical, historical-genetic, comparative analysis methods and some methods of historical cultural studies. Analysis. The evolution of the cultural landscape took place throughout human history and is a unique blend of not only human development. It also reflects, on the one hand, national culture and mentality, and on the other, shows the influence of natural factors on their development. It also helps to understand the mentality of various ethnic groups, similarities and differences in their perception of the world and attitude. The development of the cultural landscape concept has become an integral part of the Anthropocene theory, based on the teachings of V.I. Vernadsky, about the impact and intersection of the geo-, bio- and noosphere in the fate of humankind. Results. The article considers the development of the “cultural landscape” theory mainly in English and American historiography which conclusively demonstrates how natural factors impact on changes in culture of the same ethnos. Through historiographic studies and comparisons, it becomes possible to trace the importance of preserving and studying the cultural landscapes of the past and present, in order to understand ourselves and be responsible to the world around us.